Optical second-harmonic generation in lead formate

The optical properties of lead formate crystals are investigated, especiall y those affecting the usage for optical second-harmonic generation. The ref ractive indexes and the optical absorption are measured in the near-ultravi olet, visible, and near-infrared spectral regions. The data show that the m aterial is suitable for the efficient generation of blue light when pumped with near-infrared laser wavelengths. Phase matching conditions for this ap plication of lead formate are determined both experimentally and by a numer ical evaluation of the index data. (C) 2000 American Institute of Physics. [S0021-8979(00)09701-2].